Liking the Lichen

I must say it is a challenge for me to read a book by a biologist. I was awful in biology in high school. I think now why it is more enjoyable is in the presentation. This biology lesson mixed with stories of lore, life and humor make it a bit easier for me to understand the creatures being presented. I think the art of dance, writing, drama is a great way to teach and pass on knowledge.

I finished reading a chapter dealing with Lichen, which before reading I probably passed bunches on my hikes not knowing a thing about this growth. Now, I see Lichen everywhere. My relationship with Lichen is born. This picture today is of my lichen right outside my own home. The one lesson that stays in mind is learning of how the Lichen live and grow, with surrender to help the union flourish. Lichen is a combination of fungus and alga or bacterium living together. Surrender is what comes to mind. To give in to one another in order to grow.

I had a friend who expressed that Lichen can be used for medicinal uses. I decided to look up a bit more and found that this did indeed take place. Lichen was also used in dyes and perfumes and still to this day (although I am not sure if they are using it from lab creations or from out in nature).  Here is a neat sight to read about Lichen. I find the life of Lichen quite fascinating.

http://autocww.colorado.edu/~toldy3/E64ContentFiles/AlgaeAndFungi/Lichen.html

As I sit out on my porch I can see the Lichen everywhere, on trees, on rocks, on my home, and now feel like I have a new friend. I am liking the Lichen!